Before my trip to Italy, I had the pleasure of enjoying lunch at to Gåte at Quoin Rock Estate to experience Head Chef Nicole Loubser new menu. Nicole brings expertise acquired at Jan Hendrik’s 1 star Michelin restaurant in Nice and Salzburg’s 2 star Ikarus to her team at Gåte. This contemporary venue became known for its strong molecular gastronomy edge to the menu when it launched, and whilst it still has elements of this in its current permutation, I found the dishes sitting comfortably in the fine dining realm. The menu is paired with Quoin Rocks wine
I loved the slightly stark and elegant space the restaurant is housed in with floor to ceiling glass that brings the outside in. It was a cold and rainy day when I went so I can only imagine how lovely sitting outside on the terrace would be in summer. The minimilist environment sets up a neutral canvas for a very playful and innovative menu.
The farm’s transformation has taken place over six years when the Gaiduk family purchased it in 2012. Managing Director Denis Gaiduk explains: “My dad Vitaly Gaiduk is a wine enthusiast and as his collection grew, he decided to ‘paint his own painting’. He was looking to buy a wine farm in Italy but saw this amazing farm and fell in love with it. It took several years to improve the vineyards, with the aim being to create a wine which would compete on the international market. Our Quoin Rock Shiraz 2015 is already a Top 12 Shiraz in South Africa – and this is a beginning. We want to create something big, bold and powerful.”
Nicole focusses on the very artistic presentation of her dishes and guests can choose from a seven-course dinner or a five-course lunch menu. Lunch includes two teaser dinner dishes.
Food is paired with 10 estate wines, which includes two bubbles. Winemaker Jacques Maree explains: “Our wine has the ability to pair fantastically with any food. We’ve got grapes from Elim and Stellenbosch which give two different fruit profiles.”
There is so much else happening at Quoin Rock Estate including their Manor House which can accommodate 14 guests, a huge functions venue and a wine tasting lounge. They are also introducing picnics on the Estate this summer and the setting is just perfect for this.
The menu I enjoyed for lunch:
JOURNEY AROUND THE WORLD
6 courses set menu
Italy – Caffe Macchiato with Gate Cigar
South Africa – Gate`s signature Saldana Bay Oysters
QR MCC Festive Series, 2014
Italy – Gate`s signature Caprese Salad
Namysto Sauvignon Blanc, 2017
Austria – Lamb, cranberry and smoked cheese tuile
Namysto Red Blend, 2015
Namibia – Game – Oryx meat with smoked potato pure and veggies
QR Shiraz, 2015
Caribbean – Pina Colada dessert with coconut
QR MCC Black Series, 2013
*I was invited as a guest at Gåte at Quoin Rock Estate
Gåte:
Daytime Experience: Tues – Sun, 12 – 3pm, R900. With wine pairing R1 250.
Night time: Tues – Sat, 6pm – late, Gourmet menu R1 700. With wine pairing R2 400
Tasting menu: R1050. With wine pairing R1500.
Contact: +27 21 888 4750, [email protected], [email protected]
Open: Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Events: [email protected]
Quoin Rock Wine Estate: Knorhoek Road, Knorhoek Valley, Stellenbosch, 7600
Website: www.quoinrock.co.za
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